Laundry Room Makeover

Designer Q&AArticlesOther

Pretty, functional, and (most importantly) perfectly suited to the family it serves. In an exclusive Q&A with Rebecca Hay – the talent behind the design – we're covering all aspects of this utilitarian interior renovation.

What were your clients’ needs for this space?

Our client needed more light, less clutter and a place for kids' snacks and drinks. The laundry room is adjacent to the basement rec room where movie watching and kids crafts are an endless activity. The space needed to be multi-functional as a result. Our goal was to keep it utilitarian while also being inviting and warm.

Were there any challenges designing this space?

There was truly no natural light. This laundry room is stuck in the basement with no windows or exterior doors. We needed to add life and light to the space and make it feel like less of a dungeon.

Do you have any special considerations or requirements when creating a laundry room?

Counter space! I always consider the needs of my clients from a functional perspective as well as aesthetic. The more counter space the better for resting laundry bins, folding, ironing and keeping your belongings off the floor! Adding a nice long wraparound butcher block counter in this laundry room was a major bonus feature.

How does the flooring play into your design?

We used large scale porcelain tiles that are impervious to water and can withstand any washing machine mishaps. By layering in a decorative rug with an extra cushy underpad we added instant coziness and comfort underfoot.

Why did you choose these colors?

We didn’t want to do the typical white cabinets that you see everywhere. By using the rich, dark cabinets they ground the space and make the space feel more inviting. The colorful red rug really brightens up the space and provides a happy balance to the dark cabinets. We also opted for butcher block counters instead of traditional stone or even laminate. The warm wood of the countertop helps to soften the space and make the laundry room more inviting.

What is your favorite aspect of this room?

The thoughtful details that we added such as the “scrabble” message board and vintage Toronto prints. But my absolute favorite little finishing touch are the vintage cabinet pulls which I found at a local antique store.

Rebecca Hay is the Principal Designer of Rebecca Hay Designs

With a focus on exceptional quality, Rebecca Hay Designs offers a full range of interior design services, specializing in luxury residential. Rebecca’s designs infuse old with new, creating a signature blend of traditional and contemporary. An extensive network of resources and partnerships allow Rebecca and her team to deliver outstanding, hands-on service, and beautifully creative solutions that bring their clients’ visions to life. @rebeccahaydesigns